Streetstrider
February 14th I visited the muba because of the special science show called tunBasel where the Swiss Nanoscience Institute was showing our Nanosurf STM to interested youth. (Now, they still have an older version and I think they should upgrade, but that’s another story for another day.) There was a concurrent bicycle fair called the twoo which I was able to visit with the same pass, so I did and ended up trying out the Streetstrider. It’s an interesting experience - imagine a wobbly elliptical machine that zips around at high speeds - and I don’t think I fully got the hang of it, but if they have a bike fair near you I’d recommend trying the Streetstrider. It’s fun and quite a workout, but I doubt it’ll really take off here: the things a tad too wide to be practical, it’s hard to push, and I’d hate to be stuck in tram tracks with that thing, though I suppose if I was at least I wouldn’t fall.
März 6th, 2010 at 10:31
The last link is to a photograph of me trying the Streetstrider.
März 6th, 2010 at 15:18
It certainly looks awkward, but so do recumbent bikes and I hear they’re quite popular. What advantage does it gain you? It’s hard to imagine it would be faster, with three small wheels. And for long distances I’d imagine one would get tired of standing all the time. Plus it looks harder to manipulate and takes more room to park. But I could be all wrong — I guess bicycles themselves would be counter-intuitive if I weren’t accustomed to them.
März 6th, 2010 at 20:39
It gains you a very American advantage: Total Body Workout. Therefore, getting tired isn’t really an issue, it’s the point. I suppose it could also improve coordination. By the way, it’s much faster than you’d think - the front wheels are only for steering.
Otherwise, I agree. I don’t think it’s an ideal solution for European city streets. I’d be more likely to look into a reclining bike, although I’ve heard that because you can develop more power in that position they’re potentially harder on the knees, and I’m not sure how good they are for transportation - one certainly can’t wear a backpack.